The week in iPhone cases: It's hot, hot, hot!

It's time for another iPhone case roundup, Macworld’s window on the fascinating world of protection for Apple’s handsets. Sit back, relax (possibly with a cold drink or two, given the temperatures we’ve been experiencing over the past few weeks), and enjoy our latest installment.

CaseMate: If you’re past your fear of the monsters hiding in your closet (and I’m not referring to that pair of short shorts you’ve been hiding back there), CaseMate has a whole line of $25 spooky covers inspired by the night terrors of your youth. These include the Waddler, the Monsta, the Gil, the Tut, the Frank, and the Hoot, each available in multiple color schemes.

ID America: The Gasket ($30) is a beautiful, slick case made of brushed aluminium with a rubber bumper running around its edges. It comes in a gunmetal or bronze finish.

If you prefer a quirkier look, try the Skyline ($25), whose rubberized construction is drilled through to offer protection while adding minimal bulk and weight to your phone. It’s available in black, white, or pink.

Finally, the Ice and Dry Ice ($20) feature see-through construction to let the elegance of your handset show while protecting the device from bumps and scratches. The Dry Ice sports a frosted look, and each case includes cutouts for the iPhone’s camera and other ports.

InCase: The Pro Slider Case ($40) features a rubberized bumper to keep your phone safe from everyday accidents and an overall lightweight design with two soft pads that protect the handset’s glass back. The case is available in white/white, black/grey, black/blue, or white/pink.

iSkin: The company’s new Solo Line ($30 to $35) features a translucent design in either a “Cosmo” or “Carbon” finish with a pink, black, blue, or purple hue. The case is built with a flexible material that's durable but comfortable, and the company even embeds Microban technology to help prevent odors and discoloration caused by bacteria. A special molded-ring opening prevents the camera’s flash from causing glare in pictures you take while the case is on your handset

Kodak: Kodak and Apple may be at odds over matters of intellectual property, but that hasn’t prevented the venerable photography company from coming out with its own line of personalized cases ($35 to $39) for the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4. For each case, you have the option of personalization by having your favorite picture printed on it using a proprietary printing process that embeds the ink deep into the plastic to limit fading and discoloration.

Nest: The Nest ($25) protects your iPhone like a good case should, but it also doubles as a viewing stand thanks to a series of strategically-placed notches that make it possible for you to rest your iPhone against its frame in two positions, each of which works in landscape or portrait orientation. It’s available in black, white, or pink.

Opena: The iPhone is so powerful and versatile that it was only a matter of time before someone came up with the idea of fusing protection with usefulness. Opena’s $40 Case for iPhone 4, available in black or white keeps your handset safe, of course, but it also features a pop-out, stainless-steel bottle opener, conveniently located near the bottom of the phone so you can tease your friends with the sound escaping from a cold bottle of beer or soda while you open it during a call.

Surc: At first sight, the Surc ($75) looks like a slick case for your iPhone 4. Available in black, white, lime green or aqua blue, it offers protection on three sides and sits flush against the edges of your screen. First looks, however, can be deceiving, because the Surc turns your iPhone into a powerful infrared remote control that can be used in conjunction with the company’s customizable app to control just about any device you can think of.

Twelve South: The BookBook ($60) has that authentic old-book feel that you get with high quality leather that’s been hand-distressed. The case doubles as a wallet for things like your driver’s license and credit cards—which, of course, means that, as long as you remember your phone, you'll never be without your plastic.

UrbanTool: The SlyWolf (€20) is a trendy pouch that fits your iPhone and hangs confortably from your pocket thanks to its fabric loop. A zippered pocket at the back offers some additional convenient storage. Made of soft neoprene and organic canvas, the case is available in purple, grey, black, or pink.

XGear: The Liquid Shield ($50) features both an inner polycarbonate shell that you can use as a transparent everyday case, and an outer silicone cover that makes your iPhone 4 impervious to water, sand, dust, or virtually anything else that might cause trouble.

The company’s EXOSkin ($10) carbon-fiber skin has also been redesigned. Made of 3M Carbon Fiber Graphite, this cover adheres to the iPhone and protects it from scratches and minor bumps. It’s available in black or an all-new red color.

Zenus Case: The Multi Bumper ($35) is made of tough polycarbonate form-fitted to closely match the design of your iPhone 4. The three pieces that made up this case protect the handset from all angles, and even keep its screen slightly elevated to prevent scratches when set face-down.

The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.

My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.

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